China’s military deployed naval and air forces to monitor and warn a US Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft that flew through the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday. The operation prompted a sharp response from Beijing, accusing the US of “distorting legal principles” and attempting to “mislead” the international community.
The Taiwan Strait, a contentious waterway separating Taiwan from mainland China, is frequently traversed by US military vessels or aircraft, typically once a month. Such missions consistently provoke criticism from Beijing, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan and jurisdiction over the strait. In contrast, the United States and Taiwan assert that the strait constitutes international waters.
In a statement, the US Navy’s 7th Fleet defended the flight as a demonstration of America’s commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” It emphasized that operating within the Taiwan Strait complies with international law and upholds navigational rights and freedoms for all nations.
China’s Eastern Theatre Command condemned the patrol as “public hype,” stating that its forces had tracked the aircraft’s movement and responded effectively. “The relevant US remarks distort legal principles, confuse public opinion, and mislead international perceptions,” the command said, urging the US to stop its actions to maintain regional peace and stability.
Taiwan’s defense ministry confirmed the US aircraft’s transit in a northerly direction through the strait. The Taiwanese military monitored the situation and reported no abnormalities.
This is not the first time tensions have flared over such missions. In April, Chinese fighter jets were dispatched to monitor another US Navy Poseidon as it flew through the strait, coinciding with a high-level call between Chinese and US defense officials.
The Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of geopolitical friction, with both sides emphasizing the importance of regional stability while maintaining opposing stances on sovereignty and international law.
